Living Machine Systems...

[The Cell]

Living Machine systems are decentralized wastewater treatment systems that mimic processes found in wetland environments, technology uses mechanical and computer systems to enhance natural biological processes to treat wastewater.

Living Machine systems provide a more natural approach to wastewater treatment for communities, industries, academic institutions and government agencies. Using less energy than other onsite wastewater treatment systems, Living Machine systems provide tertiary treatment, allowing the water to be reused for numerous applications including irrigation, toilet flushing and wash water. Living Machine systems are frequently integrated into larger water reuse systems to increase water conservation, minimize wastewater surcharges and meet operational requirements.




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[The Cell]

Tidal Flow Wetland Living Machine System

The Tidal Flow Wetland Living Machine type system we are investigating is an improved wetland treatment system, this newest generation Living Machine has a smaller footprint, superior process control and nitrogen removal compared to conventional constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment.

A Tidal Flow Wetland Living Machine system incorporates a series of tidal flow cells, which are alternately flooded and drained many times a day to achieve up to tertiary treatment. These systems are designed to be both cost and energy efficient and incorporate the latest in Living Machine technology.


A Tidal Flow Wetland Living Machine System consists of four to six Tidal Wetland cells connected in series by integral pump stations and a control system. Each Tidal Wetland cell is comprised of a watertight basin with a bottom drain system covered by engineered media fill with vegetation on top. Pumps in each basin flood and drain each wetland cell several times a day. The flood and drain process provides all the oxygen necessary for aerobic treatment without mechanical aeration.

There are no exposed water surfaces in any of the wetlands thus preventing mosquito breeding and potential human contact with wastewater. The wetland vegetation, especially the root zone, enhances treatment by promoting a complex and stable ecosystem. The system can be operated with simple controls or a computer‑based system depending on the site requirements and interactive features desired. Either control system would have alarms for critical conditions. The computer–based controller can be equipped for remote monitoring and operation.

Effluent Quality and Benefits

This system achieves good nitrogen removal and advanced BOD and TSS removal. The multi‑cell design incorporating recirculation loops provides greater ecological diversity and process stability than many other treatment systems.

The Tidal Wetland system is beautiful, effective and requires modest operational attention. This ecologically engineered system uses minimal energy and machinery to achieve high quality effluent. The Tidal Wetland is easily configured to specific aesthetic criteria through layout, construction materials and plant selection.

Other benefits include:

1. The energy costs for tertiary treatment are approximately 25% of an equivalent activated sludge system.

2. There is no clarifier and thus no residual sludge (waste bacterial material) to manage or dispose of.

3. Operation is automated, minimizing operator time.

4. The design utilizes plants that can be customized to provide an attractive addition to any landscape.

5. The process is virtually odor free.




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[The Cell]

A Hybrid Wetland Living Machine System

A Hybrid Wetland Living Machine system, which uniquely combines horizontal and tidal flow wetlands, this newest generation, wetland based Living Machine system has superior process control and nitrogen removal compared to conventional constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment while retaining its simplicity and energy efficiency.


System Description

A Hybrid Wetland Living Machine system combines two complimentary wetland technologies. Horizontal subsurface flow wetlands are well established, simple, low energy systems capable of moderate to good treatment. Tidal Flow Wetlands utilize a fill& and ;drain wetland technology with special media to increase treatment efficiency and final effluent quality of the combined wetland system. The overall treatment system consists of the horizontal flow wetland cell(s), coupled to a set of tidal flow wetland cells with a hydraulic control/pump structure and a control system.

The horizontal flow wetland receives wastewater influent and provides initial treatment and flow equalization. Water is recycled through the Tidal Wetland Cells to “turbocharge” the horizontal wetland and enhance the nitrogen removal.

There are no exposed water surfaces in any of the wetlands thus preventing mosquito breeding and potential human contact with wastewater. The wetland vegetation, especially the root zone, enhances treatment by promoting a complex and stable ecosystem. The system can be operated with simple controls or a computer–based system depending on the site requirements and interactive features desired. Either control system would have alarms for critical conditions. The computer controller can be equipped for remote monitoring and operation.

Effluent Quality and Benefits
This system is designed for nitrogen removal and advanced BOD and TSS removal. The design can be tailored to the amount of nitrogen removal required and effluent total nitrogen can be as low as 10 mg/l. The system provides excellent reliability and stability due to the long residence time and complimentary treatment processes.

A Hybrid Wetland system is beautiful, effective and requires very little operational attention. This ecologically engineered system uses very little energy and machinery to achieve high quality effluent. This system can be used in its entirety or the Tidal Flow component can be retrofitted to existing horizontal flow wetlands or lagoon systems to improve overall treatment and nitrogen removal. Layout and plant selection can be configured to meet site and aesthetic criteria.

Other benefits include:

1. The energy costs for tertiary treatment are approximately 20% of an equivalent activated sludge system.

2. The footprint is less than half that of traditional horizontal subsurface flow wetlands.

3. There is no clarifier and thus no residual sludge (waste bacterial material) to manage or dispose of.

4. Operation is automated, minimizing operator time.

5. The design utilizes plants that can be customized to provide an attractive addition to any landscape.

6. The process is virtually odor free.



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